Neighborhoods

Wrigleyville

Wicker Park

Wicker Park

These artsy neighborhoods always have something cool going on. Wicker Park and Bucktown are hives of activity that draw shoppers hunting for unique finds, foodies looking for the trendiest eats, and bar hoppers searching for late-night buzz.

Start your day at the vibrant Six Corners area where North, Milwaukee, and Damen Avenues intersect. This is the always-bustling heart of the neighborhood, where you’ll find vintage stores, record shops, noodle joints, award-winning eateries, cool coffee houses, bookstores, art galleries, and more.

And the lively vibe keeps going till late into the night. These adjoining neighborhoods are home to some of the city’s favorite indie music venues, late-night clubs, pubs, speakeasies, and neighborhood dive bars.

A good way to see the area is on the 606, a repurposed rail line that gives you an elevated view of four distinctive Chicago neighborhoods: Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square. You’ll find walkers, joggers, bikers, public parks, art installations, overlooks, and more all along the 2.7-mile stretch.

Try an artisanal drink at the Violet Hour, the semi-hidden bar that started the craft cocktail craze in Chicago. Get trapped on an ‘L’ train at Escape Artistry escape rooms. Head to the rooftop bar in The Robey hotel to sip piña coladas and take in 180-degree views of the city skyline. (Choose Chicago)

Hyde Park

Hyde Park

This culturally rich neighborhood is bookended by two of the city’s most significant institutions — the University of Chicago to the west and the Museum of Science and Industry to the east.

The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, the Museum of Science and Industry boasts more than 2,000 exhibits — from U-boats and airplanes to coal mines and tornados. It’s also housed in one of the last remaining buildings from the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, which was held in neighboring Jackson Park.

And on the University of Chicago campus, you’ll find striking Gothic architecture, the free Smart Museum of Art, The Oriental Institute, the Court Theatre, and more. The university is known for world-changing discoveries, like the world’s first artificial nuclear reactor that was built below the school’s football stadium.

The neighborhood’s cultural contributions don’t end there. It’s home to one of the most iconic masterpieces in American architectural design — Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the striking facade or take a tour of the meticulously restored interior.

Also near Hyde Park, the DuSable Black History Museum is the country’s first institution dedicated to African American history and culture. It resides within Washington Park, home to a bird and butterfly sanctuary and the much-photographed Fountain of Time. And the Hyde Park Art Center has been a powerhouse on the art scene for more than 70 years, claiming the title of oldest alternative exhibition space in Chicago. (Choose Chicago)

West Town

West Town

This cultural melting pot is known for its eclectic, artsy vibe. It’s one of the city’s up-and-coming hot spots, where you can uncover laidback taprooms, unique museums, old-school vintage shops, Michelin-star restaurants, and tons of cool art — both in the galleries and on the streets.

Over the past century, West Town has seen waves of immigrants from all over the world. These global influences have shaped the neighborhood into the funky, creative enclave it is today. This is where you can find an Old-World pierogi joint, a botanical-inspired brewery, and a contemporary omakase spot — all on the same street.

If you’re spending a day in West Town, Chicago Avenue is a good spot to start exploring. Many of the area’s diverse restaurants and bars are clustered around this area, like Chicago’s first botanic brewery, German-Southern fusion in a beer hall  a Michelin-starred Portuguese tasting menu, a BYOB Creole spot, and a Filipino bakery with lines out the door. (Choose Chicago)

Lakeview

Lakeview

Anchored by a beautiful stretch of shoreline to the east, Lakeview melds several distinct areas — East Lakeview, Central Lakeview, Boystown, and Wrigleyville. Each spot has its own unique character, but they’re all pulled together by Lakeview’s casual, welcoming feel.

Hit the bustling shopping districts along Broadway in East Lakeview, along Belmont near Boystown, and the bustling Southport Corridor for local boutiques, record shops, and vintage treasure hunting. Or live it up with the locals at the seemingly endless array of bars and pubs, and the dozens of much-loved neighborhood restaurants that lie in between.

Lakeview is also known as a go-to for arts and culture — you’ll find live music venues, summer street festivals, and a thriving theatre, dance, and comedy scene. Blue Man Group is a world-famous troupe that brings music, comedy, and performance art together in one unforgettable show (if you’re sitting in the “Splash Zone”, you’ll want to put on that waterproof poncho). (Choose Chicago)

Bronzeville

Bronzeville

Bronzeville is a center for African-American life and culture in Chicago. Historically known as the city’s “Black Metropolis,” Bronzeville has a strong sense of pride in its influential history and cultural scene.

Immerse yourself in this art-filled community, where you’ll find a diverse array of galleries, historic landmarks, and lively events like the annual Bud Billiken Parade, the nation’s largest African-American parade, which draws more than one million spectators each August.

Keep an eye out for public art: In the midst of all that history, look for striking public art installations, like a sculpture-adorned stretch of Martin Luther King Drive that features a Monument to the Great Migration, the Bronzeville Walk of Fame, and The Victory Monument. You’ll also find the Ida B. Wells Monument just a few blocks from her former residence.

Grab a local bite: If you’re hungry, check out Truth Italian for a soulful take on classic Italian cuisine. Dine on old-school Southern soul food at Pearl’s Place, enjoy Sunday jazz at Norman’s Bistro, or soak in lakefront views at seasonal Pier 31. And Bronzeville Winery has a menu of comfort food (like shrimp and grits) and lighter fare, plus a patio and live music. (Choose Chicgo) 

Streeterville

Streeterville

There’s nothing not to love about stunning Streeterville. This buzzing enclave is home to historic Navy Pier, the provocative Museum of Contemporary Art, and a sweeping stretch of lakefront that offers easy access to everything Lake Michigan has to offer.

Streeterville is where you’ll find Navy Pier, a family-friendly playland packed with amusement rides (including the 200-foot Centennial Wheel), gift shops and eateries, docks lined with sightseeing and cruise boats (book a lunch or dinner cruise if you can), sweeping lakefront views, summer fireworks displays, the Chicago Children’s Museum, outdoor movie screenings and live music, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and so much more.

Beyond the Pier, you’ll find summertime fun at Ohio Street Beach and nearby Lakefront Trail. The Museum of Contemporary Art houses innovative and experimental exhibits, featuring everyone from David Bowie to Virgil Abloh. Don’t skip the gift shop here, it’s one of the city’s best. Between sightseeing, you can treat yourself to endless dining experiences, from iconic Chicago street foods to fine dining.

Head over to the Museum of Contemporary Art’s free summer Tuesdays on the Terrace, where you can grab a drink and catch some live music. Play a round of indoor bocce ball at Pinstripes. Winter’s Jazz Club is a classic listening room where you can hear live singers six nights a week. (Choose Chicago)

Edgewater

Edgewater

Edgewater literally hugs the water’s edge, with miles of beaches and green spaces to relax in — and pretty stunning views over Lake Michigan from seven miles north of the Loop.

Family-friendly Edgewater is an antique and vintage shopper’s haven. Browse for hours at Broadway Antique Market and nearby Edgewater Antique Mall, then continue the vintage vibe in the neighborhood’s Bryn Mawr Historic District, a charming reminder of 1920s Chicago.

Edgewater’s global mix of cultures, which includes large pockets of African and Eastern European immigrants, makes the neighborhood a culinary feast. It’s also famous for authentic delis, boutique grocery stores and specialty farm stands. Outside of food and antiquing, Edgewater is lauded for its storefront theatre district, where you’ll experience innovative productions in intimate, immersive 50 – 100 seat theatres.

Build your own Bloody Mary from 250+ ingredients at Fireside Restaurant & Lounge. Take in a show at diversity-driven Jackalope Theatre. Grab a “Moodyburger” while you laze in Moody’s shady, tree-lined beer garden. (Choose Chicago)

Humboldt Park

Humboldt Park

There are so many reasons to love Humboldt Park, from its rich Puerto Rican roots, to its historic namesake park, to the neighborhood’s bustling cultural corridor. 

You can feel the residents’ pride in their heritage and community everywhere you turn. There is a wide variety of family-owned restaurants serving traditional dishes, colorful murals created by local artists, and a seemingly endless parade of vibrant cultural events that draw thousands of visitors each year.

Explore Division Street: You’ll know you’re in Humboldt Park when you pass under one of the monumental Puerto Rican flags that serve as gateways into the neighborhood. These flags mark the boundaries of the Paseo Boricua, an area that has transformed over several generations into the cultural heart of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community. 

This stretch of Division Street is lined with one-of-a-kind street art projects, bustling coffee shops, casual Puerto Rican cafes, and more. Don’t miss the Mercado Del Pueblo, a rotating marketplace of local artisans, and La Casita de Don Pedro, which includes a public gallery, garden, and performance space.

Attend a cultural festival: The Humboldt Park community honors its heritage with a ton of annual events. The Puerto Rican Parade in June draws more than a million people each year, making it one of the highest-attended Latino celebrations in the country. Or check out Fiesta Boricua in August, an annual block party that honors the community’s cultural identity. (Choose Chicago)

The Loop

The Loop

When you picture Chicago, you're probably envisioning the Loop. Known for its historic architecture, the Loop boasts office buildings, residential towers, and hotels interspersed throughout the neighborhood. While the Loop is certainly Chicago's center for business, museums, and monuments, the multitude of parks and festivals prevent the area from taking itself too seriously. 

Millennium Park is home to Cloud Gate, or "The Bean" as it's more popularly known, while Maggie Daley Park offers hours of entertainment for the young (or just young at heart). You can enjoy a free concert at The Jay Pritzker Pavilion or visit the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Architecture Foundation, or the Chicago Cultural Center for an educational afternoon. Chicago's theaters (and that famous "Chicago" marquee) are also at home in the Loop, as is the start of the Magnificent Mile. While you won't find many residential pockets or tree-lined streets in this bustling neighborhood, its residents enjoy total immersion in the energy and excitement of Downtown. (neighborhoods.com)

Avondale

Avondale

An under-the-radar dining and nightlife scene is putting all eyes on Avondale, an area that many predict will be the city’s next “it” neighborhood. But hurry — it won’t be under-the-radar for long. Avondale’s industrial roots give it an urban, down-to-earth feel, while an influx of young residents and cool restaurants are breathing fresh life into the neighborhood.In Avondale, you’ll find an explosion of both cool and classic bars and eateries — pilgrimage-worthy beer bars, taprooms serving up award-winning beers, old-school karaoke bars, Old-World buffets, hole-in-the-wall hangouts where locals love to kick back, and more. Pop-ups and temporary venue spaces add to the area’s spontaneous vibe. Check out the neighborhood’s historic buildings, like St. Hyacinth Basilica (one of only three basilicas in the city). Or catch a show at Prop THTR, a long-standing storefront theatre that stages original works inspired by literature. Grab a drink with the locals at Ludlow Liquors or Reed’s Local. Order the Iron Maiden burger at Kuma’s Corner…while listening to Iron Maiden. Swing by Sleeping Village for coffee in the morning and live music in the evening. (Choose Chicago)

Uptown

Uptown

Why we love it Uptown is where Chicago’s rich history and international diversity intersect. The area has a long legacy as an entertainment hot spot, with iconic venues that have drawn some of the biggest names in music for almost a century. Today, the neighborhood’s many vintage theatres and old-school jazz clubs are interspersed with a dynamic array of global cuisine. While the area has become known for its wealth of Asian dining options, you’ll find restaurants representing a mix of cultures from all over the globe. (Choose Chicago)

West Loop

West Loop

The West Loop is a foodie mecca. An explosion of excellent eateries has taken over this former industrial area, turning the historic warehouses into some of the city’s hottest restaurant.

A former meat-packing district, the West Loop has become one of the most dynamic dining destinations in the city. In particular, a stretch of Randolph Street known as Restaurant Row is where you’ll find many of the neighborhood’s most celebrated spots, from high-end tasting menus to hidden ramen joints to fourth-generation sandwich shops.

A few of the must-visit spots near Restaurant Row include Green Street Smoked Meats for house-smoked barbecue, avec for creative small plates, Momotaro for out-of-this-world sushi, Monteverde for fresh-made pasta, and Girl & The Goat for cuisine from Top Chef favorite Stephanie Izard.

Nearby Fulton Market has a cool industrial vibe that bursts with activity, thanks to tons of trendy restaurants and bars that have taken over the old warehouse spaces. Popular spots include massive food hall Time Out Market, lush rooftop Aba, and meat-centric The Publican.

Between meals, you can explore the West Loops’s cool shops, boutique hotels, and art galleries. Epiphany Center for the Arts is a former church that now hosts rotating exhibits, live music, and performing arts. And check out the year-round Randolph Street Market for unusual vintage and antique finds. (Choose Chicago)

Ukrainian Village

Ukrainian Village

This trendy neighborhood in the West Town area has a unique mix of historical and modern residential architecture, along with beautiful houses of worship. Ukrainian culture is preserved through two museums, a cultural center, and a couple restaurants. The eclectic mix of experiences makes this a perfect neighborhood for a day of exploration. (Choose Chicago)

South Loop

South Loop

The South Loop has gone through a number of transformations in its lifetime, from museum hotspot to college campus mecca to restaurant powerhouse, but no one can deny its consistent appeal. Hosting quaint (and unexpected, given its proximity to the towering skyscrapers of the Loop) single-family homes and high-rises that soar above the city, the South Loop is as comfortable as it is forward thinking. While the constant flow of college students and office workers fill the neighborhood during the day, at night the neighborhood transitions into a quiet enclave in the shadows of the city's most iconic buildings. Home to one of the most exciting restaurant scenes in the city, front row access to Grant Park, and the city's most famous museums, the South Loop offers a combination of amenities and serenity unmatched by most urban neighborhoods. (https://www.neighborhoods.com)

Gold Coast

Gold Coast

First-time visitors to the Downtown area would be surprised to find a neighborhood like Gold Coast, a residential respite from its more urban surroundings. This is one of the few neighborhoods where one can live in a large single-family home that's walking distance from their office in the Loop. One of the first true residential pockets in the Downtown area, Gold Coast got its start when the city's wealthiest citizens moved in during the late 19th century. Those original historic mansions now exist next to rowhouses and modern high-rise condominium buildings along its tree-lined, narrow streets. Even amid the pricey Downtown area, the barrier to entry to Gold Coast is quite high (but those unobstructed lake views ...) (https://www.neighborhoods.com)

River West

River West